Nomadic life. Photo: The Norwegian Barents SecretariatCanada-Norway High North Dialogue: Project on Indigenous Peoples in Russia
Last updated: 23/12/2009 //
As part of the Canada-Norway High North Dialogue, The Canadian Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are initiating a joint project on Indigenous Peoples in the Autonomous Area of the Nenets people in North-Western Russia. Other partners in the project are the government of the Nenets Autonomous Area, the Working Group for the Indigenous Peoples in the Barents Cooperation (WGIP), local indigenous organizations, The Norwegian Barents Secretariat and The International Barents Secretariat (IBS).
The project will run along two main lines:
Media for Indigenous Peoples
This part of the project will seek to establish local media that inform about indigenous issues in the Nenets language. Both Canada and Norway have vast experience in this field through the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation and NRK Sámi Radio, and could contribute with content to complement the locally produced programs.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism has become increasingly popular over the last years, and could have a positive economic effect on the areas of the High North inhabited by Indigenous Peoples. Canada has already laid down extensive work in this area and has local representatives working in Russia. The Eco-tourism project will be connected to the Barents Secretariat’s program for Indigenous Entrepreneurship.
The project will be administered by the Working Group for the Indigenous Peoples (WGIP) using local representatives. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given the project an initial funding of 250 000 NOK (45 000 CAD). Further preparations will take place in the coming months and the project is expected to be launched by mid-2010.